ATLANTA, April 14, 2011 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded $2.1 million in Recreational Trails Program grants to 25 government agencies. The grants will assist with the construction and maintenance of trails and trailheads throughout the state. Recipients include:

“Trails are very popular, and they’re also inexpensive to build and inexpensive to use,” said State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “The investments we make in these facilities pay back the public in good health, attractive and useable land, and dynamic local economies.”

This year’s projects were selected because they met goals set by the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), a document that outlines trends, priorities and elements for success in providing outdoor recreation for future generations of Georgians. The SCORP document can be found on www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. For more information about the Recreational Trails Program, contact Bryan Alexander, DNR’s Grants Coordinator, at 404-656-2770.

Funding for the Recreational Trails Program comes from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and was appropriated in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The DNR administers the grant program under guidance of the FHWA. Each year, state, federal and local agencies are eligible to compete for these grants. Every recipient is required to match the grant by providing at least 20 percent of the cost of the project.

“For many years the Recreational Trails Program has provided critical assistance to Georgia in developing its outdoor recreation facilities,” said Kelley. “Since Congress has made no guarantee to continue this funding, we encourage local governments to plan for their own financing so that trails can continue to flourish.”

Details about each of the 25 grant recipients follow:

City of Adairsville, Oothcalooga Creek Nature Trail: DNR’s recommended grant of $100,000 will help to build a new trail along Oothcalooga Creek and around City Lake.

Augusta Canal Authority, Canal Trail System Signage: The Authority was selected to receive $91,500 to improve the system of information and way-finding that trail visitors use to get the most from the trails.

City of Bainbridge, River Walk: The City plans build a trail to connect several recreation facilities in the vicinity of the Earle May Boat Basin and the Flint River. The grant of $100,000 will be met by a significant investment by the City.

Bibb County, Arrowhead Park Multi-Use Trail: This is the second year in a row that the County has been selected to receive a grant for Arrowhead Park at Lake Tobesofkee. The Park is home to a burgeoning trail system that is cared for in part by mountain bikers.

Carroll County, Little Tallapoosa Park Trail: The County will use its grant of $100,000 to build about two miles of trail in this park located north of Carrollton.

City of Cartersville, Etowah River Blue Trail at Leake Mounds: The City’s proposal to build a canoe and kayak launch for the Etowah River water trail was selected for a grant of $32,924.

Clayton County, Historic Rex Village: A $100,000 grant from DNR will help the County to acquire historic property for future trail development.

Coweta County, Brown’s Mill Battlefield Recreational Trails: This $100,000 grant will help to fund a portion of a larger trail system that is planned for the battlefield site as the County seeks to highlight its rich history.

City of Dalton, Mt. Rachel Multi-Use Trail: The City’s proposal to build about five miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails was selected to receive a grant of $100,000.

DNR Wildlife Resources Division, Amicalola Access Green Parking Lot: This river access point, popular with paddlers, swimmers, and anglers, will get a make-over of its trailhead with a grant of $70,420.

City of Dunwoody, Brook Run Park Trail: The City plans to restore an older trail system in this 102-acre park. DNR will provide $100,000 to assist in the effort.

City of East Point, Sykes Park Recreational Trail: The City will use its $80,000 grant to build a 1.5 mile trail and trail access points at an existing community park.

City of Euharlee, Village Historic Trail: DNR selected the City to receive a grant of $100,000 to build a trailhead and trail that will provide for outdoor recreation in the surroundings of a tradition-rich town.

Forsyth County, Charleston Park: The County’s park located on Lake Lanier will soon be home to a new 6-mile trail system. DNR’s grant to the County of $52,700 will be used to build a trailhead with parking spaces.

City of Hawkinsville, Riverwalk Trail: The City will use its grant of $100,000 for the design and construction of a boardwalk trail on the riverfront at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

City of Hogansville, Water Tower Trail Phase II: The City was selected to receive $100,000 to build a trail and trailhead connecting to an earlier phase of trail that is directly adjacent to the City’s historic water tower.

City of Jasper, Doris Wigington Park Trails: The grant of $100,000 will assist the City in developing the first link in a plan to connect parks, neighborhoods and the downtown district with a greenway.

City of Kennesaw, Whispering Lake—Church Trail: This is one of multiple phases of a trail that connects neighborhoods to the Big Shanty Historic District and downtown Kennesaw. The proposal was selected for a $100,000 grant.

City of Macon, Camellia Gardens Trail: The City’s proposal is to build a trail through the recently acquired Camellia Gardens and connecting to Jackson Springs Park and the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. The proposal was selected for a $100,000 grant.

City of Mountain Park, Lake Garrett Northshore Wildlife Trail: DNR selected this project to receive $31,821 for the renovation of a primitive trail in an area rich in wildlife.

City of Thomaston, Historic Silvertown West Village Pine Thicket Trail: The City will use its grant of $100,000 for the development of a trailhead and trail in a new conservation park.

Troup County, Pyne Road Park: The County was selected to receive a grant of $100,000 for the development of hiking, mountain-biking, and equestrian trails.

USDA Forest Service: The Forest Service will receive three grants. A grant of $43,600 was awarded for maintenance of off-highway-vehicle trails in the Blue Ridge District. A grant of $94,581 was awarded for maintenance of off-highway vehicle trails in the Chattooga River District. A grant of $72,300 was awarded for maintenance of off-highway-vehicle trails in the Houston Valley and Cohutta areas.